Damon Lindelof apologizes for offending DC fans with ‘Lanterns’ co-creator ‘dumb joke’

Damon Lindelof, co-creator executive producer of “Lanterns,” recently issued an apology for an offhand comment he made about the Green Lantern show title back in 2024. Lindelof had joked about the word “Green” being “stupid,” which had upset fans and even comic book writer Grant Morrison.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Lindelof set the record straight, emphasizing that he actually thinks “Green is awesome.” He admitted that the joke was ill-advised, recognizing that the Green Lantern fandom deserved better than a thoughtless comment.

The controversial remark had originally been made during an appearance on the “Lovett or Leave It” podcast hosted by Jon Lovett. When discussing the upcoming TV show, Lindelof had quipped, “‘Lanterns’ because we all agreed that the ‘Green’ was stupid,” sparking backlash and criticism from fans and industry experts alike.

The backlash gained momentum once the first “Lanterns” teaser dropped and people noticed a lack of green in the imagery. Grant Morrison, a respected comic book writer known for his Green Lantern series, took to Substack to publicly question Lindleof’s attitude towards the show and its fan base, expressing confusion about why Lindelof had taken the project in the first place.

Ultimately, Lindelof’s apology serves as a reminder to think twice before making jokes that may offend a passionate fan base. His commitment to authenticity and respect for the Green Lantern legacy will hopefully help mend any hurt feelings and reassure fans that they are valued and respected.